CDK4/6 Inhibitors for Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer

This summary table contains detailed information about research studies. Summary tables are a useful way to look at the science behind many breast cancer guidelines and recommendations. However, to get the most out of the tables, it’s important to understand some key concepts. Learn how to read a research table.

Introduction: CDK4/6 inhibitors are a class of drugs that target enzymes, called CDK4 and CDK6. These enzymes are important in cell division. CDK4/6 inhibitors are designed to interrupt the growth of cancer cells.

The CDK4/6 inhibitors currently used to treat metastatic breast cancer are abemaciclib (Verzenio), palbociclib (Ibrance) and ribociclib (Kisqali).

§ Among 410 women in the study who had responded to hormone therapy in the past, overall survival was about 30 percent better with palbociclib plus fulvestrant than with fulvestrant alone (40 months vs. 30 months).